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• New Member Hike: Seven Islands State Birding Park

  • When
    11/23/2024
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Seven Islands State Park entrance, 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, TN, 37764

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  The Seven Islands State Birding Park is located just east of Knoxville and is mostly surrounded by the French Broad River. This park is renowned for bird watching, but with its beautiful rolling hills and river views, it is also lovely for walking. For this hike, we'll walk about 5- 6 miles to include part of the Seclusion Bend Trail, the bridge to the Island Loop Trail, and the Upland Trail. Rated Easy. We will meet at the Seven Islands park entrance trailhead, 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, TN, 37764 at 9:00 am.

  Leaders: Rebekah Young and Cindy Spangler

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.
  

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• Frozen Head-Chimney Tops

  • When
    11/30/2024
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Frozen Head main trailhead area, Frozen Head State Park

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  Frozen Head State Park is a treasure in our own “backyard”, and it is always nice to be hiking on the mountains of the Cumberland Plateau. We will start at the main trail head area past the Visitor Center, hiking to Spicewood Branch and then climb to connect with the Chimney Top Trail. Turning south, we will pass Mart Fields campsite, then ascend to the marvelous rock formations known as The Chimneys. Then, we will descend on the Chimney Tops Trail to the Visitor Center followed by a short walk on the road back to our cars. The hike is about 9 miles with some big climbs. Rated moderate/difficult. The meeting time at Books-A-Million in Oak Ridge 8:15 a.m. to carpool and at the trailhead 9:00 a.m. Round trip of 50 miles. Suggested reimbursement to the driver of $3.50. The leader will meet at the trailhead not the carpool site.

  Leader: Louise Miniard

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Wednesday Hike: Cove Mountain

  • When
    12/04/2024
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Sugarlands Visitors Center, Gatlinburg, GSMNP

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  The Cove Mountain Trail, which starts behind the Sugarlands Visitors Center, offers the hiker two perspectives. On one hand there are the wonders of nature we enjoy in the park, with wildlife, varying landscape, and even a small waterfall. On the other hand, you’ll see signs of civilization including private homes, rental chalets and a ski resort. This hike will be out- and-back, so you can pick the length you want to hike. The entire trail is 8.5 miles – a 17-mile round-trip trek for those hearty enough to do it! The official turn-around point, however, will be at a peak of Mt. Harrison at 4.5 miles. Starting behind the Visitors Center, we’ll make our way down a nature trail to Cataract Falls and the official start of the Cove Mountain Trail. From there we’ll start a moderate uphill climb (1,500 ft. over 4 miles) before reaching our turn- around. We’ll look for a wide spot in the trail for lunch (about our only option) before returning the way we came. Total “official” hiking distance is 9 miles, rated Moderate. For carpooling, meet at Kroger, 244 S. Hall Rd., Alcoa (park at the side of the building, near the SE corner) at 7:30am {drive: 74 miles RT @ 7¢/mile = approx. $5.00} or at Sugarlands Visitors Center at 8:30am. The leader will meet at Sugarlands Visitors Center.

  Leader: Pat Watts

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• Off Trail Hike: Bearpen Hollow - Marshall Wilson Legacy Hike

  • When
    12/07/2024

  As a young man working for the Knoxville YMCA, Marshall Wilson was the first to suggest an organized effort that would later emerge as the SMHC. Wilson was a charter member of the Club and President in 1937. As a youngster, Wilson often climbed to the summit of Mount Le Conte from the south side following a faint manway up the steeply sloped defile of Bearpen Hollow then along the spine of a narrow ridge extending to the summit of West Point. Early hikers in Bearpen Hollow proceeded from the ridge directly to Cliff Top via the Tag Tree Trail, but we have never been able to find that trail. On the way up, a visit will be made to the remains of the wreckage from the 2016 plane crash on the west side of Bearpen Hollow. Upon reaching LeConte Lodge, a short trip will be made to Cliff Top. Return will be on the Alum Cave Trail. Rated Difficult. Previous off-trail experience required. Register with leaders for details on meetup time and place.

  Leaders: Ken Wise and Cindy McJunkin

  To register, contact the leaders directly. You can find contact information in the December 2024 newsletter writeup for this hike.

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• Brushy Mountain

  • When
    12/07/2024
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Porters Creek trailhead, Greenbrier, GSMNP
  • Spaces left
    24

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  Qualifying Centennial Challenge Hike

  Brushy Mountain is a spectacular knob perched on the north slope of Mount LeConte, and is relatively open heath bald with nice views above the thick and brushy azalea, rhododendron and laurel cover. The hike begins at Porters Creek trailhead, and will pass the historic “Hiking Club Cabin”. We will hike up to Trillium Gap and over to the knob. After a lunch break at the top, we will return down the same route. Hike 12 miles round-trip with about 3000 feet elevation gain. Rated difficult. Meet at Cracker Barrel I-40 exit 398. (1510 Cracker Barrel Ln. S. east corner of parking lot. at 7:15am to carpool (drive 80 miles RT@7¢=$5.60 to driver) or at the Porters Creek trailhead in Greenbrier at 9:00am.

  Leader: David Shepler

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• 2024 Holiday Banquet and Installation Dinner

  • When
    12/14/2024
  •  
    5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Fox Den Country Club, 12284 N. Fox Den Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934

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  December 14 (Saturday) — Fox Den Country Club

  Join us for an evening of good food and good friends as we install the SMHC officers for 2025, present awards, and reminisce about our Centennial year activities!

  The Social Committee is thrilled to announce that our guest speaker will be Greg Grieco, Director of Operations at Appalachian Bear Rescue. ABR’s mission is to rehabilitate orphaned and injured black bear cubs and yearlings, educate communities about how to live responsibly with black bears, and perform research that helps bears be successfully returned to the wild. Since 1996, ABR has given over 400 cubs and yearlings another chance at life in the wild.

  5:00-6:00pm
  Reception: Webb School Madrigal Singers, Cash Bar, and Cider/Fruit Punch

  6:00-7:00pm
  Welcome, Benediction, Dinner and Fellowship

  7:00-7:15pm
  Recap of the Year’s Centennial Activities, Business Meeting, Introduction and Installation of 2025 Officers

  7:15-8:00pm
  Guest Speaker: Greg Grieco, Dir. of Operations/BearWise TN Representative, Appalachian Bear Rescue

  8:00-8:30pm
  ATMC Awards, 2025 Handbook Distribution, SMHC Centennial Merchandise Sales
  
  

  Dinner Menu - $35.00 Per Person
  All dinners served with salad, rolls, tea, coffee, and water.

  Entree choices (choose one)

  • Chicken Marsala, Whipped Parmesan Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Poached Atlantic Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Vegetarian Delight, Italian Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze, Rice Pilaf Roasted, Seasonal Vegetables 

  Dessert Choices (choose one)
  

  • Cheesecake with Strawberries
  • Chocolate Cake

  Register and pay online or print and mail the registration form with your payment. The last date for registration is Monday, December 9. If you need assistance with registration, contact Pat Watts. Cancellations must be received by Tuesday, December 10. If cancellations are received later than December 10, meals cannot be refunded. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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• Wednesday Hike: Meigs Mountain Trail

  • When
    12/18/2024
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    Elkmont upper parking, GSMNP

  Register

  Beginning in Elkmont, we’ll hike a short distance on the Jakes Creek Trail to pick up the Meigs Mountain Trail. We’ll continue on Meigs Mountain until we reach CS 19, a lovely spot for lunch. We’ll return the way we came for a RT distance of 10.8 miles. Those wanting a longer hike can continue past CS 19 to the intersection with Meigs Creek/Lumber Ridge, then return, for a round-trip distance 13.2 miles. Meigs Mountain Trail undulates between only about 2500 and 2800 ft, making for a very pleasant hike. Rated Moderate to Difficult, depending on distance. Meet at Kroger, 244 S. Hall Rd., Alcoa (park at the side of the building, near the SE corner) at 7:30am {drive: 68 miles RT @ 7¢/mile = $4.75 or round up to $5} or at Elkmont upper parking at 8:30am. The leader will meet at the Elkmont upper parking.

  Leader: Pat Watts

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.

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• West Prong/Bote Mountain/Finley Cane/Lead Cove

  • When
    12/21/2024
  •  
    8:45 AM
  • Location
    West Prong trailhead, Tremont, GSMNP

  Register

  From Tremont we'll take West Prong Trail to Bote Mountain Trail, and in 0.3 miles descend the Finley Cane Trail to its trailhead on Laurel Creek Road. Then in 0.2 miles we take the Lead Cove Trail back to Bote Mountain Trail. After lunch at the junction, we return to the West Prong trailhead. Total, 13.1 miles and ~2,600 feet climb, rated Moderately Difficult. Meet at Alcoa Food City at 8:00 am, or the West Prong trailhead at 8:45 am. Drive: 46 miles RT {@7¢= $3.22}.

  Leader: David Liles

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.
  

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• House Mountain

  • When
    12/28/2024
  •  
    9:45 AM
  • Location
    Hogskin Road, Knoxville, TN

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  For this well-known local hike, we will ascend the West Overlook Trail, hike out the Crest Trail, and then hike back down the Mountain Trail. The 2,100-ft crest of House Mountain is the highest in Knox County. The trails are fairly steep through wooded terrain with rock outcrops. On the summit, the Crest Trail stretches the length of the mountain from the West End Overlook to the East Overlook offering wonderful views. Hike about 5 miles, rated Easy-Moderate. If you’d like to carpool from the west side of Knoxville, please meet at the Panera parking lot at 205 N Peters Rd. (off Cedar Bluff) at 9am or meet at the trailhead on Hogskin Rd. at 9:45 am. 27 Miles at 7 cents/mile = $1.89 from Panera carpool fee. Pre-registration with the leader is required.

  Leader: David Liles

  Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.
  

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